I’ve been somewhat obsessively trying to book top end Suite Spot hotels and resorts with Marriott while they are fixed at the Cat 7 60,000 point a night rate. (In peak season, these will rise to 100k/night). We’ve been told we’d have until the end of December this year to get our bookings in and at some point in the next week or two, we should have the ability to do a Points Advance for all brands (meaning that you can reserve the room without the points in hand… just mind those cancellation penalties!!
Well, it’s possible we may now have an extra 2 months (or 3?) because the Marriott website now shows that March is when the Category 8 will go live. It’s not clear if this also means Peak Pricing will be delayed 2 or so months as well.
This would be pretty amazing as it would mean the chance to book some great resorts well through the end of 2019.
I’m not 1,000% sure this is confirmed but I don’t know how else to read the website. I’m sure we’ll see more chatter soon confirming.
Update: Since I posted this, as I expected, other bloggers have confirmed this is definitely true. No more “?”
This is also a good time to mention that I noticed a couple of days ago that Bora Bora is flush with availability now through the end of the schedule, HOWEVER I cannot find any dates with a base room at St Regis (plenty with a cash component of $2,000 plus over a 5 night stay) and the base room at Le Meridien Bora Bora is available but is literally a room – not a villa.
Here’s an example of the rates at the St Regis Bora Bora:
Some of you may find this more palatable than me. I’ve been looking a lot at the Maldives and have an upcoming stay in March. I think for the money and length of trip, the Maldives appear nicer than Bora Bora, though I’d love to hear your pros and cons in the comments.
Thoughts? Let me know here, in the comments, on Twitter, or in the private MilesTalk Facebook group.
New to all of this? My new “introduction to miles and points” book, MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points is available now.
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I have been to the The Thalasso and Le Moana in Bora Bora as well as the Holiday Inn Resort in Maldives. I can honestly say that you can not go wrong with either stay. Other than the flights you will not see much price difference between Bora Bora and the Maldives. You will find beautiful sand and water at each location. The people are equally friendly at both locations. I would return to either place in a heart beat. Enjoy!!